Cultural capital as defined by Bourdieu refers to the
education, knowledge, skills, and
cultural experiences that individuals have and can use to gain advantage in society. Cultural capital is a form of capital that is passed down from one generation to another and is valued by employers, schools, and other institutions.
According to Bourdieu, cultural capital is a significant factor in determining social and economic outcomes. People with more cultural capital tend to have better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater social mobility. They are more likely to attend prestigious schools and universities, and have better chances of being admitted to prestigious programs. This is because they have the skills, knowledge, and cultural experiences that are valued in these institutions.
Bourdieu identified three forms of cultural capital:
embodied, objectified, and
institutionalised.
Embodied cultural capital refers to the cultural knowledge and skills that an individual has internalised through education and life experience. This form of cultural capital is embodied in the individual and is difficult to quantify or measure. It constitutes what Bourdieu referred to as the
habitus.
Objectified cultural capital refers to the tangible cultural goods and possessions, such as books, art, and music, that an individual has access to. This form of cultural capital can be seen and measured, and it can be used to signal cultural capital to others.
Institutionalised cultural capital refers to cultural capital that has been formalised and recognised through educational credentials, such as degrees and certificates. This form of cultural capital is the most easily quantifiable and can be used to demonstrate cultural capital to employers, schools, and other institutions.
Cultural capital as defined by Bourdieu has been widely used in the social sciences to explain inequalities in education and the labor market. It has been used to explain why some individuals are able to access better educational and employment opportunities, and why others are not. For example, individuals from wealthy families may have more access to cultural capital through the resources and opportunities available to them, such as expensive schools and cultural activities. This can give them a competitive advantage in the labor market, as they are able to demonstrate their cultural capital through degrees and certificates.
Additionally, Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital has been used to understand how cultural capital is used as a form of symbolic power, and how it contributes to the reproduction of social and cultural hierarchies. The cultural tastes and experiences of the elite are often seen as the benchmark of what is considered good and valuable in society. This reinforces social and cultural inequalities, as those who do not have access to these experiences and tastes are seen as less culturally competent and less valuable.
Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital has been subject to criticism, with some scholars arguing that it over-emphasises the role of culture and education in determining social and economic outcomes. It is seen to neglect other forms of capital, such as economic capital, which also play a significant role in shaping opportunities and outcomes.
Overall, the general criticisms of Bourdieu's cultural capital can be summarised as follows:
- Determinism: Critics argue that Bourdieu's theory suggests that cultural background determines a person's future success, thereby overlooking individual agency and merit.
- Cultural essentialism: Some critics have accused Bourdieu of essentialising culture, implying that individuals from a particular cultural background have uniform experiences and perspectives.
- Limitations in empirical research: Some have criticised Bourdieu's methods for collecting and analysing data, arguing that his methods are subjective and lack generalisability.
- Over-reliance on French data: Bourdieu's theories are heavily based on French data, which has led some to question their applicability to other cultures and societies.
- Neglect of other forms of capital: Bourdieu's theory primarily focuses on cultural capital, but some argue that other forms of capital, such as social capital and symbolic capital, also play important roles in shaping social mobility.
These limitations and criticisms demonstrate the need for further research and refinement of the concept. However, cultural capital as defined by Bourdieu remains a widely used and influential framework for understanding the role of culture and education in shaping social and economic outcomes.
The concept of cultural capital thus stands as a useful framework for understanding the role of culture and education in shaping social and economic outcomes. It highlights the importance of cultural knowledge, skills, and experiences in determining who has access to opportunities and resources, and how cultural capital is used as a form of symbolic power to shape cultural norms and tastes.
